Dr. Olson

Dr. Harry E. Olson Jr./Dr. Harry "O"

Dr. Harry E. Olson Jr., 84, of Apopka, Florida, passed away peacefully October 7, 2016 at his lake home in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota.

Harry was born on July 24, 1932, in Minneapolis, MN, to Harry and Minnie Olson.

Harry received a B.A. from Augsburg College, graduated from Lutheran School of Theology (Chicago, IL.), received a Master's degree from North Dakota State University, a Ph.D from University of Sarasota, and is a graduate of the Interdenominational Interim Ministry Network Training.

Dr. Harry E. Olson's professional career focused on serving as a Lutheran minister. In addition, he was an Executive Administrative Consultant to business organizations, a Human Resources manager, and a professional speaker. He is the Founder and Chairman of the "Executive Program Center." Dr. Olson also published three books.

His first Senior Pastor role was with Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, where he took a small congregation through a ministry that included the construction of a new campus with membership growth of over 2,000 parishioners. Dr. Olson was a Founder and the first Executive Director of the Messiah Foundation for Christian Communications, which supported the Hour of Worship television ministry with WDAY. For over 50 years, this ministry has provided weekly telecasts of a worship service throughout the Midwest and the southern provinces of Canada.

Dr. Olson served as interim Pastor at many congregations, as called upon by the Bishop. Most recently, he served at St. John's Lutheran Church in Winter Park, FL, and also enjoyed a 50-year relationship with Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes. During his ministry, he led numerous outreach and stewardship programs along with administrative, operational, and financial initiatives. He often traveled many miles to perform weddings, baptisms, and funerals for families he met during his ministry.

He brought experiences from the church pulpit to the podium of the House of Representatives in the U.S. Congress, to a national business convention, and to the locker room of the Dallas Cowboys football team.

He would spend his summers at his lake home on Kimball Lake in Pequot Lakes. He was best known for driving his iconic blue jeep, whistling as he entered a room, and fireside conversations. He was always happiest by the water with friends and family.
Harry is survived by three children: Brent N. Olson, Cottage Grove, MN, Dana A. (Chrysa) Olson, Shakopee, MN, and Sarah J. (Patrick) Lyon, Medina, MN. His grandchildren Trevor Olson, Rachael (Jake) Bodensteiner, Amy (Eli) Miller, Andrea (Travis) Schilling, Megan Olson, Michelle (Jeff) McKenna, Micah Olson, Julia Lyon and Anders Lyon. Great-grandchildren Miles Schilling and Oliver McKenna. His beloved partner Charlotte Cipes of Apopka, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Minnie Olson, sister Mary A. Lee, son Gregg Olson, and great-grandson Parker Schilling.

Memorials are preferred to be sent to the "Dr. Harry E. Olson Jr. Scholarship Fund" at Messiah Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND, or Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes, MN, or The Pequot Lakes Library "Friend of the Library Fund."

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Pequot Lakes, MN, with visitation for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery, Pequot Lakes, MN. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Brenny Funeral Chapel, Pequot Lakes, MN.
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